The Complete Guide: How to Add a Tracking Number in Shopify

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Adding Tracking Numbers Before Fulfillment
3. Post-Fulfillment Tracking Addition
4. Enhancing Customer Experience with Tracking Updates
5. Conclusion
6. FAQ

Introduction

Have you ever found yourself lost in the maze of online orders, wondering where your package might be? Or perhaps you're a Shopify store owner aiming to streamline your customers' shopping experience by providing real-time shipping updates. The addition of a tracking number to orders is a simple yet game-changing feature for both shoppers and sellers, briditing the gap between purchase and delivery in a digital world.

The urgency to implement efficient tracking systems has never been more pronounced, especially in the e-commerce sphere where the demand for transparency and prompt delivery updates is at an all-time high. Adding a tracking number in Shopify doesn't just meet these expectations; it elevates your brand's reliability and customer service.

In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the step-by-step process of how to add tracking numbers in Shopify, ensuring your customers are kept in the loop from the moment they click 'purchase' to the moment their order arrives at their doorstep. Whether you're a Shopify novice or looking to refine your existing setup, this post promises to deliver invaluable insights into enhancing your store's operational fluency.

Adding Tracking Numbers Before Fulfillment

The Importance of Early Tracking Information

Adding tracking information before you fulfill an order is not only about operational efficiency; it's also about instilling confidence in your customers. In the e-commerce industry, the assurance that an order is on its way can significantly impact customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Steps to Add Tracking Numbers in Shopify

1. Starting Point: Access your Shopify admin panel and navigate to the 'Orders' section.
2. Selecting the Order: Choose an order marked as 'Partially Fulfilled' or 'Unfulfilled' to proceed with fulfillment.
3. Adding Tracking Info: On the Fulfillment page, you will find the 'Tracking Information' section. Here, enter the shipment’s tracking number.
4. Carrier Selection: Shopify may automatically recognize and select the shipping carrier based on the tracking number format. If the platform doesn’t, or you prefer a different carrier, manually choose your preferred carrier from the drop-down menu.
5. Additional Tracking Numbers: If you have more than one, click 'Add another tracking number' and enter the details accordingly. Remember, all tracking numbers for an order should be from the same carrier for seamless integration.
6. For Unsupported Carriers: If your carrier is not fully supported by Shopify or you choose 'Other', manually entering the complete Tracking URL provided by the carrier will be necessary.

Finalizing these steps and clicking 'Fulfill item(s)' sends an automatic shipping confirmation email to the customer, including the tracking number.

Post-Fulfillment Tracking Addition

Sometimes, tracking numbers come through after you've marked an order as fulfilled. Not to worry, Shopify has a straightforward solution for this scenario as well.

1. Access Orders: Within the Shopify admin, select 'Orders' and then the specific order number.
2. Add Tracking: In the 'Fulfilled' section, there's an option to 'Add tracking'. This is where you input the new tracking number.
3. Carrier Accuracy: As with the pre-fulfillment process, ensure the correct carrier is selected or manually input if necessary.
4. Sending Notifications: Before saving, decide whether to send an update notification to your customer. If no, simply uncheck 'Send notification email to customer'.

After saving, the tracking information is updated on the customer’s order status page.

Enhancing Customer Experience with Tracking Updates

Beyond adding tracking numbers, Shopify allows for the customization of order status updates and email templates, enriching the customer journey. These customizable emails can include direct links to the order's status page, where live tracking updates are available, providing a holistic, branded tracking experience.

Integrating Order Tracking Apps

While Shopify offers robust built-in options for tracking, third-party order tracking apps like Trackr expand capabilities further. These apps streamline the tracking process, aggregating information from various carriers directly onto your store's site, reducing customer service inquiries about order statuses.

These platforms offer customizable tracking pages and email notifications, echoing your brand's voice and design. Moreover, features like 'hide carriers' offer an added layer of flexibility for dropshippers looking to maintain a cohesive brand image.

Conclusion

In an era where real-time information is king, optimizing how you add tracking numbers in Shopify can significantly uplift your store's customer experience. Following the steps outlined for both pre and post-fulfillment scenarios ensures that your customers are never in the dark about their orders. Leveraging built-in functionalities and exploring app integrations can further streamline operations and reinforce customer trust in your brand.

Simplifying logistics and fostering transparency doesn't just satisfy customers; it builds a foundation of trust and reliability that encourages repeat business and referrals. By effectively utilizing tracking number functions in Shopify, you're not just shipping orders—you're delivering confidence.

FAQ

Q: Can I add multiple tracking numbers to a single order in Shopify?
A: Yes, you can add multiple tracking numbers to a single order as long as they are from the same shipping carrier.

Q: What happens if my shipping carrier is not supported by Shopify?
A: If your carrier isn't fully supported, you can manually enter the tracking URL provided by your carrier to ensure customers can still track their packages.

Q: Can I customize the shipping confirmation email sent to customers?
A: Absolutely. Shopify allows you to customize email templates to match your brand, including adding links to the order status page for easy tracking.

Q: Is it necessary to notify customers when adding a tracking number post-fulfillment?
A: While it's not mandatory, sending a notification email when adding a tracking number post-fulfillment is a best practice for maintaining good communication with your customers.

Q: Are there Shopify apps that can enhance tracking functionalities?
A: Yes, there are several Shopify apps like Trackr that provide enhanced tracking functionalities, including customizable tracking pages and email notifications. These apps can help reduce customer inquiries and improve the overall post-purchase experience.